Senior Director, Data Science - job 11 of 43

The Senior Director, Data Science at Visa has a multifaceted role that includes leading a team of data scientists, managing multiple projects from inception to completion, and engaging with clients to drive business impact. You'll be responsible for developing predictive models and frameworks, collaborating with various functional areas, and ensuring the overall success of data-driven initiatives. This includes supervising offshore relationships and executing projects that leverage Visa's extensive resources.

To qualify as a Senior Director, Data Science at Visa, candidates should possess a strong analytical background with experience in managing data science teams and projects. A demonstrated ability to work with large data sets, create predictive models, and communicate effectively at all organizational levels is essential. Strong leadership skills and experience in developing and managing relationships, especially within a matrixed environment, are also key.

Collaboration is a cornerstone of the Senior Director, Data Science's role at Visa. In this position, you will partner with peers across various functional areas, such as marketing, analytics, risk, and innovation, to execute impactful projects. By leveraging the diverse expertise within Visa, you can develop comprehensive solutions that meet client needs and drive organizational success.

A Senior Director, Data Science at Visa oversees a variety of projects focused on utilizing data to address critical business challenges and opportunities. This includes developing predictive models for business impact, managing project roadmaps, and ensuring timely delivery of outcomes that align with client objectives. You'll typically manage 5 to 10 projects simultaneously, engaging with both clients and internal teams throughout.

The work environment for a Senior Director, Data Science at Visa is collaborative and dynamic, characterized by a hybrid model that allows for both remote and in-office work. Expect to engage in strategic discussions with leadership and clients, leveraging Visa's rich resources and data insights to foster innovation. Strong communication and executive presence are vital, as you'll be presenting data-driven solutions across various levels of the organization.

Effective management of a data science team involves clear communication, setting achievable goals, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. I focus on empowering team members by allowing them to take ownership of their projects, while also ensuring that they have the support needed to succeed.

When developing predictive models, I start by clearly defining the problem and understanding the business requirements. Then, I gather and preprocess the data, select appropriate algorithms, and continuously test and validate the model against real-world scenarios. It's important to communicate findings effectively to stakeholders to demonstrate insights and implications.

One successful project I led involved creating a customer segmentation model for a key client. By analyzing transaction data, we identified distinct segments, enabling the client to tailor their marketing strategies effectively. This ultimately increased engagement and revenue by over 20%, showcasing the project’s direct business impact.

To communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders, I focus on simplifying complex concepts, using visual aids and real-world analogies when possible. It’s essential to connect data insights to business outcomes, ensuring that all stakeholders understand the implications of the findings and how they can drive strategic decisions.

I have experience using various data science tools such as Python, R, SQL, and machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow and Scikit-learn. I'm also proficient in data visualization tools like Tableau and Power BI, which help convey insights effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.

In a fast-paced environment, I prioritize projects by assessing their business impact, deadlines, and resource availability. I regularly engage with stakeholders to understand their needs and strategically align our project priorities with organizational goals, ensuring we focus on the most critical initiatives first.

I employ various data analysis techniques, including exploratory data analysis (EDA) to identify trends and anomalies, statistical methods for hypothesis testing, and machine learning algorithms for predictive analytics. Leveraging these techniques allows me to derive insights that guide business strategy effectively.

When disagreements arise within my team, I encourage open discussions to explore differing viewpoints. I believe in fostering a respectful dialogue where everyone can voice their opinions. The goal is to find common ground or reach a consensus that aligns with the project’s objectives, fostering team unity and creativity.

Managing offshore teams involves clear communication, regularly scheduled meetings, and utilizing collaborative tools to ensure alignment. I focus on building trust with remote team members by involving them in decision-making processes and providing consistent feedback, which is critical for their engagement and success.

In a matrixed organization, I adopt a collaborative leadership style that emphasizes flexibility and relationship building. I strategically align with peers across functions, understanding their goals while advocating for my team's needs. My aim is to create a synergetic environment where diverse teams work cohesively towards shared objectives.